In San Diego's final drive, Ryan Mathews single-handedly stomped out the last iota of hope for Kansas City.

Philip Rivers' output (18-23, 209 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT) wasn't eye-opening, but it was efficient. The Chiefs offense regularly laid eggs, and the Chargers defense catapulted them at the window of opportunity until it shattered.

Three familiar miscues—penalties, turnovers and subpar pass defense—echoed from the same broken record throughout Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs aerial attack was anything but, and Matt Cassel's passes repeatedly lagged behind receivers or sailed overhead.

The San Diego Chargers are now sitting comfortably atop the AFC West, while the Kansas City Chiefs remain basement dwellers.